Michael Young wrote the Labour Party's 1945 election manifesto, researched slum clearance in the East End of London, set up the Consumers' Association, coined the word "meritocracy", co-founded the Open University and planned the colonisation of Mars.

With the help of Michael's son Toby, Brian considers the life and work of one of the architects of post-war Britain.

Producer: Julia Johnson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.